Chaperone policy

Total Women’s Health Physiotherapy is committed to providing a safe, comfortable environment where patients and staff can be confident that best practice is being followed at all times and the safety of everyone is of paramount importance.

This Chaperone Policy adheres to local and national guidance and policy –i.e.: ‘NCGST Guidance on the role and effective use of chaperones in Primary and Community Care settings’. 

All patients are entitled to have a chaperone present for any consultation, examination or procedure where they consider one is required. The chaperone may be a family member or friend but on occasions a formal chaperone (a trained member of staff) may be preferred. It is inappropriate for an informal chaperone (family or friend) to take an active part in the examination or witness the procedure directly. An informal chaperone may not necessarily be relied upon as a witness to the conduct of the procedure. Please note there is an additional charge of £50 for a formal chaperone. 

Patients are advised to ask for a chaperone if required, at the time of booking an appointment, if possible, so that arrangements can be made and the appointment is not delayed in any way. The Healthcare Professional may also require a chaperone to be present.

All staff are aware of and have received appropriate information in relation to this Chaperone Policy.  All trained chaperones understand their role and responsibilities and are competent to perform that role.

There is no common definition of a chaperone and their role varies considerably depending on the needs of the patient, the healthcare professional and the examination being carried out.  Their role can be considered in the following areas:

• Emotional comfort and reassurance to patients
• Protection to the healthcare professional against allegations/attack